The Bay area knows how to have a good time and celebrate life. We love entertaining and being entertained. Summer has been full of festivals, music, food, family fun and so much more. With all the great things we have done this season, Labor Day is a weekend not to be forgotten. This is our last long weekend of the summer, the kids will be back in school and many of us will work through to the holidays with no extra time off in sight. As the last bastion of summer, pool parties, barbeques and picnics will be going on all over the region this coming September 4^th – 7^th. There is also a huge variety of festivals and gatherings that you can enjoy with family and friends. Any one of the following events would make a great cap to complete of a summer of fun.

Bacon has been one of the most prized and sought after foods around the world. What better way to take some time off for your hard work than with the Bacon Festival of America, being held right here in San Jose. This year marks the third annual Bacon Festival of America, and we love it. The celebration has already grown to 15,000 attendees. Head over to Plaza de Cesar Chavez September 5th-6^th for your share of tasty bacon treats. Try some Bacon S’mores or Bacon Beer. The list of bacon foods is almost endless and with tickets as cheap as $10 with plates at $6 or less, you are bound to enjoy the bacon sensations of over 20 food trucks, yum.

A drive north on I-280 to Milbrae will take you to the 45^th Annual Millbrae Art & Wine Festival, also known as the “Last Blast of Summer”. The festival runs on the 5^th and 6^th of September and will be host to a wide selection of incredible art and delicious wines and food. Slated to be the biggest Labor Day event of the Bay Area, downtown Millbrae becomes on giant gallery. You can enjoy the arts and crafts of over 250 booths including wine but microbrews, margaritas and artisan foods. There will be an artisan organic and green showcase of products featuring home and garden exhibits as well and booths on health and wellness. The festival runs each day from 10-5 and is free to attend.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the weekend partying, you can bring the whole family along to the Labor Day Steam Train Days in Sunol, just northeast of Fremont. The Golden Gate Railroad Museum and Pacific Locomotive Association has a very special train on hand that you can ride for a relaxing and fun day along Niles Canyon. Get on board the SP 2472, one of the largest steam locomotives west of the Mississippi River. Rides are available for this special Labor Day occasion on ether Saturday September 5^th or Monday September 7^th. Even better is that this exciting day experience of a piece of history is also a fundraiser. The Steam Train Days helps support the restoration of historic artifacts and the rail line, helping us connect even more with the past. Ticket prices vary, but you are sure to have a wonderful time out with the family.

No matter what you do over the Labor Day weekend, I hope you have a safe and wonderful time spent with friends and family. When you are ready to buy or sell a home, we at Haylen Group are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! If you are unsure what your options are, call Helen Chong at (408) 800-LIST or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.